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Speaking of Change


Speaking of Change examines philanthropy's role in shaping and driving social change. Produced by the Philanthropy Forum at the University of Pittsburgh, Speaking of Change looks at philanthropy's work through intimate conversations with philanthropists, foundation leaders, social changemakers, nonprofit gurus and academics.

Aug 27, 2021

A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh chronicles the rich but largely untold story of the diverse and lesser known philanthropists whose legacy shaped the region. This season of Speaking of Change invites philanthropic practitioners and community leaders to comment on the book's themes and draw parallels and lessons to inform current practice. 

Book editor Kathy Buechel sits down with Joylette Portlock, Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh; chapter author Susan Rademacher, former Parks Curator for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and chapter author Angelique Bamberg, principal of Clio Consulting and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Joylette, Susan, Angelique, and Kathy discuss new combinations of civic and philanthropic leadership that gave rise to parks, open riverfronts and a destination cultural district downtown. Each of these partnerships was to transform Pittsburgh in new ways. Each offers critical lessons in community consultation, public private partnerships and the value of prioritizing sustainability and community health.

They discuss what lessons the past can impart for current day practitioners of philanthropy - and what the future of the topic may hold.